Roy Alex Graves

Roy Alex Graves, a native of Birmingham, but a resident of Fairhope since 1970. Died this July 8th, 2025, at age 98. He was predeceased by his parents Kate Alva Bulloch Graves and Alexander Benjamin Graves, and his wife of 66 years Willodean Davis Graves.

He and Willodean crossed paths at the ages of 12 & 13 on the playground of Robinson Grade School in B’ham when the candle of love was lit, never to be extinguished. At this age, they agreed to meet at the playground water fountain to marry, Roy fashioning a “Wedding Certificate.” Neither showed up not exactly knowing how this thing was done. So they contented themselves walking home Sundays together from Ruhama Baptist Church where they were both members, and later carrying her books on the streetcar ride home from Woodlawn high school from which both graduated, until her parents allowed her to date at age 16.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran in 1945 & 1946, serving as a navy firefighter on naval ammunition depots until his discharge August 1946. He entered Howard College the following month. He and Willowdean married in 1948 at Ruhama Baptist Church, and living during college on the G.I. bill until his graduation in 1950. They were blessed by the birth of their children Roy Stanley Graves (Debbie) and Kathy Sue Graves Justiss, both of whom survive him, and also survived by eight grandchildren Ben Graves (Mindi), Britt Graves (Amber), Davis Graves (Leslie), Aaron Justiss, Nate Justiss (Lindsay), Katie Justiss Baggett, Annie Justiss Rhodes (Dan), and Rachel Justiss, as well as 16 great grandchildren, all whom are much loved.

He was an Investigator, Investigations Division, U.S. Civil Service Commission, an agency at that time responsible for federal recruitment of personnel having access to national security matters, including the atomic energy commission and requiring deep personnel background investigations.

He retired as Supervising Criminal Investigator, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Dept. of the Treasury. An agency that cites him for “Sustained Superior Performance in Recognition and Appreciation for Noteworthy Contribution to the Effective and Efficient Operations of the Department of the Treasury.” An award to which he quickly and sincerely attributed to the commendable commitment to duty and camaraderie of the fellow ATF agents.

He was a member of the American Federation of Government Employees where he had served as Lodge President; The association of treasury agents; Alabama Peace Officers Association; ATF Association of Retirees; and The University of Samford Alumni Association. He and Willodean were grateful and faithful members of First Baptist Church of Fairhope, where the family worshiped upon his Mobile ATF Post of Duty, locating there in 1970.

“For though from out our borne of Time and Place, The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face-to-face when I have crossed the bar.”

ARRANGEMENTS BY
WOLFE-BAYVIEW
FUNERAL HOMES
& CREMATORY, INC.
19698 GREENO RD.
FAIRHOPE AL. 36532
(251) 990-7775
www.wolfefuneralhomes.com